Welcome to Salem United Church of Christ
Living Out God's Love
We are an open and affirming congregation, and our mission is to witness to the word and work of Jesus so all people may know the welcome of God, worship with joy, grow as disciples, live as servants, and enjoy the strength of Christian fellowship.
Mark your Calendars for Vacation Bible School
August 15-17, 5:45-7:45PM
All ages welcome
The VBS theme this year is "Come to the table!" Adults, youth, and children alike will learn and discuss the stories that reveal the generosity of God, the transforming power of Jesus' welcome, and offer a model for living and sharing God's hospitality with all people!
Salem Weekly News for June 18, 2021
FATHER’S DAY
Lines from Psalm 103 will be interwoven throughout this Sunday’s worship service. The sermon will offer an exposition of the first stanza of the psalm (verses 1 through 5), finding in those verses “Six Reasons to Celebrate God the Father.”
RECEPTION OF MEMBERS
Terry and Linda McNamara were all set to join Salem before the pandemic hit. Then in person worship services fell by the wayside and the reception ceremony was postponed indefinitely. Now that we are back in person, Linda and Terry will be received into our fellowship during our worship service this Sunday. We hope many of you will be present Sunday morning to help welcome them.
REGISTRATION NO LONGER REQUIRED
It is no longer necessary to register your intended worship attendance ahead of time. Worship is at 9 o’clock. We are still limiting entrance to the building to the door by the canopy.
MASKING OPTIONAL
It is no longer required that persons wear a mask in the church building. Masking is now optional – and, in our spirit of being Open and Affirming – Salem wants to be equally supportive of those who choose to continue to wear a mask as it is of those who choose not to wear a mask. So please expect to see mask-wearers and non-mask-wearers in worship this week, and let each walk in the way of the Lord as they see fit.
DISTANCING STILL IN PLACE
Expect to find the every-other-pew distancing protocol to be still in place in our sanctuary. We are continuing to encourage as much social distancing as is practicable, but we know it is hard to make rules hard and fast. Hand-shaking and embracing are discouraged. Our indoor fellowship hour with food remains on hiatus until further notice.
CONGREGATIONAL SINGING STILL ON HOLD FOR A WHILE
The question of congregational singing will be revisited at the July Council meeting. We are close, given the current facts coming from the CDC, the Hymn Society, and Dane County Public Health, but we have waited this long and a few more weeks of patience seem in order. Thanks for your patience and understanding in the meantime.
NO WEEKLY MAILING NEXT WEEK
Mark is going to be away next week. That means the weekly mailing will not be produced or sent next Friday, June 25. Please expect the next one to follow on Friday, July 2.
THE REV. DR. TISHA BROWN
The Rev. Dr. Tisha Brown serves the Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ as Associate Conference Minister for Leadership Development. A few of you may remember her from the benefit jazz performance she put on in our sanctuary a number of years ago. Tisha will be in our chancel next Sunday, June 27, to lead worship. Mark is hoping all of you will be present for this service and that you will look upon it as an opportunity to “practice” having someone new in the pulpit.
NEW OFFICE FURNITURE
Jack Baker, Cara Bahr’s father, recently refurbished his own office and contributed his gently used office furniture to the church. Take a peek the next time you are in the building. The new pieces are in Cara’s office and they do much to brighten the room and make an excellent use of the space. All that plus Cara is more than likely happy to have - - at long last! - - desk drawers that actually work. Cara’s parents frequently worship with us; thank her Dad in person when you see him.
WOMEN’S GUILD TO MEET JULY 1
The Women’s Guild of Salem United Church of Christ is scheduled to meet for a business meeting on July 1, at its normal meeting time of 1:30 PM. As of this writing, the plan is to meet outdoors on the church patio by the Mark Drive entrance. In case of rain, the gathering will be in fellowship hall.
Our Community
Whether you are looking to renew your relationship with God or just find friends to support you through good times and bad, Salem offers regular services, fellowship, outreach, community service, potluck programs, and musical groups to keep you coming back.
